I think we need another car...

[robg]

Originally Posted by Terri Kennedy

Bizarre. I've always heard the BMW cooling system mantra as "replace everything between the engine block casting and the front bumper".

I had thought so too... but a quick search reveals that cooling system overhaul kits (sold by a wide variety of vendors) don't seem to include radiators... so that could be why the PO didn't do it. Here's 1 example:
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...x-25l-28l-30l/

[Nick M3]

Took the day off because I talked too much yesterday and can't stop coughing.

Beisan VANOS kit installed. The M54 VANOS is so much simpler than either the S54 or S50B32 units. I almost couldn't believe how simple the process was. (It's been over 15 years since I last did an M54 VANOS unit.)

I'll probably do the GAS DISA kit later tonight since I'm waiting on new belts and idler pullies (hopefully tomorrow). I'm also waiting on an M56 valve metal cover (ETA monday). The stock plastic valve cover is warped (normal M54 issue), and the M56 valve cover doesn't warp AND has a far superior crankcase vent design that will let me bypass/abandon the crappy M54 setup.

[Nick M3]

slightly regretting that i've blocked the E30 M3 and E36 M3 in with the X5 this weekend. not that i'm really going anywhere, but it would be nice to drive them to my daily covid test.

[Nick M3]

Well fuck.

I think my headlight issues may go beyond a burnt bulb.

[Terri Kennedy]

Originally Posted by Nick M3

I think my headlight issues may go beyond a burnt bulb.

That is bizarre. I wonder what could cause the insulation to fail like that on multiple wires - perhaps ozone from a faulty HID?

[Nick M3]

Originally Posted by Terri Kennedy

That is bizarre. I wonder what could cause the insulation to fail like that on multiple wires - perhaps ozone from a faulty HID?

Both headlights are like that. BMW could always have just underspecced the insulation heat resistance.

[Terri Kennedy]

Originally Posted by robg

I had thought so too... but a quick search reveals that cooling system overhaul kits (sold by a wide variety of vendors) don't seem to include radiators... so that could be why the PO didn't do it. Here's 1 example:
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...x-25l-28l-30l/

Maybe a lot of people want to use alternative radiators? Turner lists E46 non-M3 radiators from $68 to $548. Or they could pay $1100 for one from Zionsville Autosport.

[equ]

Originally Posted by Nick M3

Both headlights are like that. BMW could always have just underspecced the insulation heat resistance.

That car was built nearly 2 decades ago. If there was some consideration given to environmental absorption of those insulating materials, it may simply be a matter of time.

[wdc330i]

Headlights have always been an Achilles heel with BMW.

[Nick M3]

Originally Posted by equ

That car was built nearly 2 decades ago. If there was some consideration given to environmental absorption of those insulating materials, it may simply be a matter of time.

Seems to be a common problem in the headlights.

The thing is, though, that the rest of the harness is great. So there's a headlight environment issue.